Needleless, Intermittent, Neutral Displacement IV Injection Port

ABSTRACT

An injection port assembly including a body having first and second mating structures configured to mate with a first connector for a first fluid pathway and a second connector on a device, respectively. A resilient barrier substantially contained within the body and compressible from a first position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is blocked to a more compressed second position in which fluid flow between the first and second connectors is permitted. A hollow cannula can be coupled with the first mating structure and disposed within the resilient barrier, the hollow cannula having a distal end configured to extend through the resilient barrier when the resilient barrier is in the second position, the distal end having lateral slots. The resilient barrier can have first and second annular sealing rings positioned above and below the lateral slots respectively.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/078,740, filed on Nov. 12, 2014, which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is also acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/939,835 filed onNov. 12, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to medical intravenousadministration line connectors. More particularly, this disclosurepertains to a needleless, intermittent, neutral fluid displacementinjection ports for safe infusion of IV fluids, antibiotics, lipids,blood, blood components or drug products and/or blood aspiration inintravenous and blood administration therapy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the mid-1980's, concern grew publically worldwide within thehealthcare community for a new and potentially lethal virus called theHuman Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which leads to AIDS (Acquired ImmuneDeficiency Syndrome). Prior to the AIDS epidemic, IV therapy and bloodcollection methods utilized hypodermic syringes and IV sets utilizingsteel needles and latex injection ports to administer drugs and IVfluids along with blood collection samples. An accidental needle stickinjury among healthcare providers was a common occurrence. Variousviruses, fungi and bacterial infections (i.e. Hepatitis A, B, and C,Staphylococcus, Tuberculosis) could be transmitted to the healthcareprovider via an accidental needle stick injury. Accidental punctures bycontaminated needles can inject hazardous fluids into the body throughthe skin. There is potential for injection of hazardous drugs, butcontact with infectious fluids, especially blood, is by far the greatestconcern. Even small amounts of infectious fluid can spread certaindiseases effectively through an accidental needle stick injury. The AIDSepidemic was the catalyst for change from high risk steel needles toneedleless injection port devices for intermittent intravenous therapyand/or blood collection within the healthcare community.

Conventional “standalone” needleless injection ports include a bodyhaving a first portion that can be mated at one end to any patient'svascular access catheter, IV extension set, Huber needle set or IV bagsand a second portion that can be mated to a standard syringe (without asteel hypodermic needle) or IV administration set (without a steelhypodermic needle) in order to infuse IV fluids, drugs, antibiotics,blood products or other fluids through the injection port and into thepatient's bloodstream. Conventional standalone needleless injectionports can also have a second portion that can be mated to a bloodcollection device or syringe in order to aspirate blood samples from thepatient. These conventional needleless injection ports can also beincorporated into an IV pump set or IV administration set in aY-Injection Port configuration. Among the early and conventionalneedleless injection port internal fluid path designs introduced intothe market since the early 1990's, many had the sole purpose to preventaccidental needlestick injuries for the healthcare provider.

Over the past 25 years, various conventional needleless injection portshave been introduced that utilize different functional design methodsincorporating a two-way (infusion and aspiration capabilities),valve-type system for intermittent fluid delivery or aspiration. Acombination of a resilient barrier(s) or seal(s) (i.e. silicone), steelsprings, steel needles, steel blunt needles, and thermoplasticcomponents have been utilized in conventional needleless injectionports.

The patient could receive antibiotics, normal saline/heparin, and otherdrugs or fluids through a standard syringe, or IV therapy through an IVadministration set/IV bag. Blood samples are generally taken through astandard syringe or a blood collection device for chemical analysis. Asthe various fluid delivery medical devices are coupled to the injectionport, the male-luer component of each of these fluid delivery medicaldevices will push down on the resilient barrier or seal to open thefluid pathway of the injection port in order to infuse fluids or drawblood samples through the injection port. Once the infusion oraspiration procedure is completed, the syringe, IV administration set,or blood collection device is removed from the injection port, theinternal valve system reseals with the intent to prevent contaminationfrom entering into the injection port fluid pathway system and potentialcatheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs).

Ever since needleless, intermittent injection ports were introduced tothe markets in the early 1990's, two major patient safety issues haveevolved; a significant increase in catheter-related bloodstreaminfections (CR-BSIs) and intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions(blood clots within the vascular-access catheter). Prior to needlelessinjection ports being introduced to the market in the early 1990's,CR-BSI's or intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions were notreported in medical journals when utilizing steel hypodermic needles andlatex injection ports. It appears that needleless injection ports solvedone major healthcare issue of eliminating accidental needlestickinjuries, but, inadvertently created new patient safety issues.

Intravascular catheters play a central role in the care of criticallyand chronically ill patients; an estimated 7 million central venouscatheters (CVCs) and peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICCs) andover 300 million peripheral IV catheters (PIV's) are inserted inpatients each year in the United States alone as an integral part oftoday's patient care paradigm. These devices allow the administrationof, among other things, parenteral nutrition, antibiotics, painmedication and large fluid volumes as well as provide access for bloodsampling and blood component delivery. However, more than 250,000catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI's) have been reported inmedical journals to occur annually, with an estimated mortality rate of12% to 25% (30,000 to 60,000 CR-BSI associated deaths every year in theUnited States). CR-BSI is not only one of the highest mortalityinfections in the hospital, but it also significantly increases hospitallength of stay, with additional health care cost estimates of over$50,000 per occurrence (over $12 billion annually).

A second patient safety issue that has developed since the introductionof needleless injection ports is intraluminal thrombotic catheterocclusions, or blood clots within the vascular-access catheter. Catheterocclusion is defined as a partial or complete obstruction of thecatheter lumen that limits or prevents the ability to withdraw blood,flush the catheter, and/or administer parenteral solutions ormedications. Characterized by the inability to withdraw blood or infuseliquids, catheter occlusions occur in up to 25% of all CVCs and PICCsand are associated with interrupted intravascular therapy, oftenrequiring either pharmacologic or even surgical approaches to restorecatheter patency. Any of these events can negatively affect thepatient's hospital experience. Discomfort associated with catheterrestarts and IV site manipulation directly impacts the patient'sperception of quality of care. Clinical complications associated withcatheter occlusions can cost significant time and money and are also acritical factor in the overall patient care equation. It has beenreported in the literature that typically 190 CVC/PICC catheters becomeoccluded due to intraluminal thrombosis for every 1,500 cathetersplaced. Inability to access the patient's vascular system is not theonly negative side effect of thrombus formation and catheter occlusion.Defined as a positive blood culture with clinical or microbiologicalevidence strongly implicating the catheter as the source of infection,catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) have been shown tohave a strong correlation with the presence of catheter thrombi andfibrin sheaths in both animal and human studies. It is surmised that anintraluminal thrombosis may serve as a nidus for infections, perhaps dueto the blood fibrin and biofilm depositions, thereby affecting thepatient's health and increasing hospital costs.

Conventional needleless injection ports may also have other functionaldesign deficiencies that could contribute to the increase in the twocritical catheter care and maintenance issues facing healthcare today;catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) and intraluminalthrombotic catheter occlusions.

Poorly designed septum seal integrity, large gaps or openings at thecritical outer septum area (or entry point), could allow microbialcontamination ingress into the patient's injection port fluid pathway.Additionally, septum surface designs could make effective disinfectionof the septum surface very difficult prior to accessing the needlelessinjection port; which could lead to downstream contamination into thepatient's bloodstream. Most conventional needleless injection ports havetorturous fluid pathways within their valve system designs that exhibitdead spaces that are difficult to effectively flush blood, air bubbles,and/or critical drugs from the injection port. Entrapped blood, within24 hours, could begin developing blood fibrin and biofilm colonieswithin the injection port itself. The blood fibrin buildup within theinjection port fluid pathway dead spaces can become a food source formicroorganisms. Many conventional needleless injection ports withtorturous fluid pathway valve designs have multiple-moving valvecomponents within the fluid pathway of the injection port. This leads tolarge priming volumes (the amount of fluid to fill the fluid pathway ofthe needleless injection port), which increases the possibility for deadspaces within the injection port fluid pathway. Also, the majority ofconventional needleless injection ports on the market exhibit either anegative or positive fluid displacement functional feature that exhibitsa reflux of the patient's blood into the catheter lumen immediately upondisconnecting a syringe or IV set from the injection port (NegativeFluid Displacement designs) or reflux of the patient's blood immediatelyupon connecting a syringe or IV set to the injection port(Positive-Pressure Displacement designs). Most needleless injectionports are accessed many times over the life of the product; typicallythe life cycle for a conventional injection port is up to 72 to 96 hoursbefore being replaced in an acute care hospital, and up to 7 days in ahome care setting. This is due to a concern for potential infectionand/or occlusion occurring. Each time blood is refluxed into thecatheter lumen, blood fibrin develops on the inner wall of the catheter.The blood fibrin buildup contributes to intraluminal thrombotic catheterocclusions and becomes the food source for microorganisms coming downfrom the needleless injection port. The problems mentioned above canpotentially be harmful to a patient or otherwise undesirably jeopardizethe safety of the patient.

Additionally, the first and second portions of the injection port bodyin many conventional needleless injection ports are eithersonically-welded or solvent-bonded together during the assembly processin manufacturing in order to firmly connect the two portions togetherand create an internal seal within the body. This manufacturing processcan be difficult and time consuming, as well as costly.

What is needed, then, are improvements to a new needleless, intermittentinjection port that is designed to reduce catheter-related bloodstreaminfections (CR-BSIs) and intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions,thereby, improving better patient safety and care.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present disclosure is a needleless, intermittent,injection port assembly for coupling to and uncoupling from a firstfluid pathway of a first connector and for coupling to a fluid deliverymedical device provided with a second connector so as to provide fluidconnection between the first and second connectors. The injection portassembly can include a body having a first mating structure configuredto mate with the first connector and a second mating structure coupledto the first mating structure and configured to mate with the secondconnector. A resilient microbial barrier substantially contained withinthe body can be compressible from a less compressed first position inwhich fluid flow between the first connector and the second connector isblocked to a more compressed second position in which fluid flow betweenthe first connector and the second connector is permitted.

In some embodiments, the injection port assembly can include a hollowcannula coupled with the first mating structure and disposed within theresilient microbial barrier. The hollow cannula can have a distal endconfigured to extend through the resilient microbial barrier when theresilient microbial barrier is in the more compressed second position.The distal end can have a lateral fluid pathway slots. The resilientmicrobial barrier can include an upper annular sealing ring positionedabove the lateral fluid pathway slots, and a second annular sealing ringpositioned below the lateral fluid pathway slots. As such, the annularsealing rings can help form a first seal above the lateral slots toimprove fluid leakage and back pressure capabilities, and a second sealbelow the lateral slots, which can help prevent fluid leakage betweenthe hollow cannula and internal wall of the resilient microbial barrier.

In some embodiments, the injection port assembly can include a firstlocking portion disposed on the first mating structure and a secondlocking portion disposed on the second mating structure. The secondlocking portion can correspond to the first locking portion such thatthe first and second locking portions are configured to lock together tocouple the first mating structure to the second mating structure. In oneembodiment, the first locking portion can be a protrusion or snap lockring extending from the first mating structure, and the second lockingportion can be a snap lock channel defined in the second matingstructure, the snap lock channel configured to receive the protrusion orsnap lock ring to secure the first and second mating structurestogether.

In another embodiment, the second mating structure can have a distal endextending away from the first mating structure. The second matingstructure distal end can include a flange extending laterally inward,the flange including an inner tapered sealing surface and a lowersealing surface positioned below the inner tapered surface. Theresilient barrier can include an upper sealing surface and a secondsealing surface. The inner tapered surface and the lower sealing surfaceof the second mating structure can be configured to sealingly compressupper sealing surface and second sealing surface of the resilientbarrier respectively. In some embodiments, the inner tapered surface ofthe second mating structure can define an opening having an openingdiameter. The resilient barrier can have a resilient barrier distal endhaving an uncompressed barrier distal end diameter, the resilientbarrier distal end positioned within the opening when the resilientbarrier is in the less compressed first position. The ratio of theuncompressed barrier distal end diameter to the opening diameter can begreater than about one, such that as the resilient microbial barriermoves to the less compressed first position, the distal end of theresilient microbial barrier meets the inner tapered sealing surface ofthe flange, and the flange applies an inward compression force on thedistal end of the resilient barrier. The resilient barrier can include alower sealing flange that can be sealingly compressed between the firstand second mating structures when the first and second mating structuresare coupled together.

One objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improvedcompression-fit septum seal integrity with reduced gaps or openings, andimproved septum disinfection capabilities with a 3-piece componentassembly.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a needleless,intermittent, injection port that is latex-free, non-DEHP, andBisphenol-A free.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to allow both male-luerlock and male-luer slip medical device fluid delivery connectors to becompatible with an needleless, intermittent injection port for infusionof all fluids and aspiration of blood products.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly with a substantially neutral fluiddisplacement feature.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide a needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly with a straight-through,reverse-split septum hollow fluid pathway cannula design with one ormore lateral fluid path ports.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to provide an improved,non-torturous, fluid pathway with reduced dead space, small primingvolume, clinically acceptable fluid flow rates for all medicalprocedures, and excellent blood flushing characteristics.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to prevent fluid leakagewithin the injection ports fluid pathway, and improve back-pressurecapabilities.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to help eliminate the useof hypodermic needles with the needleless, intermittent, injection port.The invention will not need hypodermic needles to be used, therebycomplying with United States Federal, State and OSHA laws and mandatesunder the various safety needle laws.

Another objective of the present disclosure is to help provide animproved manufacturing assembly process to help reduce overall costs andto help increase productivity for the final assembly of the injectionport.

Numerous other objects, advantages and features of the presentdisclosure will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon areview of the following drawings and description of a preferredembodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a “standalone,”needleless, intermittent, substantially neutral displacement injectionport assembly.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a first matingstructure from the “standalone” needleless, intermittent injection portassembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of the first mating structure of FIG.3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a resilient microbialbarrier from the “standalone” needleless, intermittent, injection portassembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4a is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper portion of theresilient microbial barrier of FIG. 4.

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the resilient microbial barrier ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a second matingstructure of the “standalone” needleless, intermittent, injection portassembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view of the second mating structure of FIG.5.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the “standalone” injection portassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6a is a detailed cross-sectional view of an upper portion of theinjection port assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second connector male-luer slipsyringe moving forward to couple with the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of a second connector male-luer slipsyringe fully coupled to the “standalone” injection port assembly ofFIG. 1 exposing hollow cannula side fluid pathway slots for infusion offluids, or the aspiration of blood.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly of FIG. 1 being coupled to a firstconnector; a single-lumen peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC).

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly of FIG. 1 being coupled to anothertype of first connector; a short-term, peripheral IV catheter (PIV).

FIG. 8b is a perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly of FIG. 1 being coupled to anothertype of first connector; a single-lumen catheter extension set.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly having a Y-site configuration.

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a first mating structure of the Y-siteinjection port assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the first mating structure of FIG.9 a.

FIG. 9c is a cross-sectional view of the needleless, intermittent,Y-site injection port assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the needleless, intermittent, Y-siteinjection port assembly of FIG. 9 incorporated into a typicalgravity-fed IV administration set.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the presentinvention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated thatthe present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts thatis embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specificembodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways tomake and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of theinvention.

To facilitate the understanding of the embodiments described herein, anumber of terms are defined below. The terms defined herein havemeanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in theareas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as “a,” “an,” and“the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but ratherinclude the general class of which a specific example may be used forillustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specificembodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit theinvention, except as set forth in the claims.

As described herein, an upright position is considered to be theposition of apparatus components while in proper operation or in anatural resting position as described herein. Vertical, horizontal,above, below, side, top, bottom and other orientation terms aredescribed with respect to this upright position during operation unlessotherwise specified. The term “when” is used to specify orientation forrelative positions of components, not as a temporal limitation of theclaims or apparatus described and claimed herein unless otherwisespecified. The term “lateral” denotes a side to side direction whenfacing the “front” of an object.

The phrase “in one embodiment,” as used herein does not necessarilyrefer to the same embodiment, although it may. Conditional language usedherein, such as, among others, “can,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and thelike, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understoodwithin the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certainembodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certainfeatures, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is notgenerally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are inany way required for one or more embodiments or that one or moreembodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or withoutauthor input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/orstates are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention andalso to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention,including making and using any devices or systems and performing anyincorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is definedby the claims, and may include other examples that occur to thoseskilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within thescope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differfrom the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalentstructural elements with insubstantial differences from the literallanguages of the claims.

It will be understood that the particular embodiments described hereinare shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of theinvention. The principal features of this invention may be employed invarious embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize numerous equivalentsto the specific procedures described herein. Such equivalents areconsidered to be within the scope of this invention and are covered bythe claims.

All of the apparatuses and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein maybe made and/or executed without undue experimentation in light of thepresent disclosure. While the apparatuses and methods of this inventionhave been described in terms of the embodiments included herein, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may beapplied to the apparatuses and/or methods and in the steps or in thesequence of steps of the method described herein without departing fromthe concept, spirit, and scope of the invention. All such similarsubstitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art aredeemed to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the invention asdefined by the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a “standalone”, needleless, intermittentintravenous injection port assembly 10. The assembly 10 can include abody 11. The body 11 can include a first mating structure 12 and asecond mating structure 42. The injection port assembly 10 can be usedfor coupling to and uncoupling from a first fluid delivery pathway of afirst connector such as a vascular-access central venous catheter asshown in FIG. 8, to a peripheral IV catheter (PIV) as shown in FIG. 8a ,or to an catheter extension set as shown in FIG. 8b . The abovevascular-access catheters shown in FIGS. 8 and 8 a are inserted into apatient's venous circulatory system. The needleless injection port; oncecoupled to the venous-access catheter, allows for intermittent IVtherapy and infusion of pain management medications, parenteralnutrition, antibiotics, lipids, large fluid volume therapy, blood andblood products, anesthetic medications, or blood collection. Thevascular-access catheters and the catheter extension set could have oneor more female lumens to which the assembly 10 can be coupled. Theinjection port assembly 10 can also be used for coupling to anduncoupling from a second connector such as a standard syringe (with nohypodermic needle) as shown in FIG. 7, an IV administration setmale-luer connector as shown in FIG. 10, a blood collection tube holder,or various other connectors which can be used to infuse or collectmedication, fluids, or blood from a patient.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the injection port assembly 10 can alsoinclude a resilient microbial barrier 25 substantially contained withinthe body 11 and compressible from a less compressed first position to amore compressed second position. Once the second connector fluiddelivery medical devices are coupled to the second mating structure 42,the second connectors can further compress the resilient microbialbarrier 25, exposing the lateral fluid pathway slots 20 of the hollowcannula 19, shown in FIG. 3, allowing for infusion of fluids to thepatient or aspiration of blood from the patient by means of a standardsyringe or blood collection tube holder and blood collection vacuumtubes. It will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon areview of the following figures that syringes, catheter extension sets,IV administration sets, and blood tube collection holders male-luerconnections can be either have a male-luer slip or a male-luer lockconfiguration.

In FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of the “standalone”needleless, injection port assembly 10 of FIG. 1. It shows the firstmating structure 12, the resilient microbial barrier 25, and the secondmating structure 42 being assembles. The resilient microbial barrier 25can be positioned between the first and second mating structures 12 and42 such that when the first and second mating structures 12 and 42 arecoupled together, the microbial barrier 25 can be substantiallycontained within the body 11 of the injection port assembly 10.

In FIG. 3, a perspective view of the first mating structure 12 of theinjection port assembly of FIG. 1 is shown. The selected plasticmaterial for the first mating structure 12 will be latex-free, non-DEHP,and Bisphenol-A free for improved patient safety. The proximal fingergrips 13 can be located on an external surface of the first matingstructure 12 and can help assist the healthcare provider when couplingthe injection port assembly to the first connector system as describedin FIG. 1. The stabilizing ring shelf 14 is designed to stabilize thesecond mating structure 42 on the first mating structure via stabilizingring securement segments 57, shown in FIG. 5a . A snap-lock ring feature15 securely; by mechanical press-fitting, couples the first matingstructure 12 to the second mating structure 42 during assembly, bycoupling the snap-lock ring 15 to the second mating structure snap-lockring channel 56, as shown in FIG. 6. A first series of anti-rotation andself-guiding ratchets 16, shown in FIG. 3, are designed to couple with asecond set of anti-rotation and self-guiding ratchets 55 of the secondmating structure 42, shown in FIG. 5a . The self-guiding ratchets canallow for full assembly automation of the body 11 without the need forindexing the components. Referring again to FIG. 3, the sealing ringshelf 18 is the base on which the resilient microbial barrier 25 lowerflange ring 32, shown in FIG. 4, sits on for a compression-fit sealingsurface after assembly. Referring again to FIG. 3, a sealing well 17 isdesigned to couple with the resilient microbial barrier 25 lowercompression-fit well ring 35, shown in FIG. 4, to form an additionalfluid seal after assembly.

Referring to FIG. 3a , which is a cross-sectional view of the firstmating structure 12 of FIG. 3, a hollow fluid pathway cannula 19 can beintegrally formed with the first mating structure 12. The fluid pathway24 can be a straight-through and non-tortuous pathway to help reduce oreliminate any dead space within the fluid pathway 24 which can helpminimize any blood fibrin or biofilm adhesion, development, andcolonization. Additionally, a non-torturous fluid pathway can helpprovide a small priming volume, and help provide clinically-acceptablefluid flow rates. Along the upper portion of the hollow cannula 19 arelateral fluid pathway holes or slots 20. On the distal end of the hollowcannula 19 is a full radius bullet-nose feature 21. This type of distalend is designed to increase the number of coupling and uncoupling eventsover the life-cycle of the injection port.

A first set of threads 22 and male luer tip 23 can be used to securelycouple and seal against fluid leakage with a first connector system(i.e. vascular-access catheters). In some embodiments, the first set ofthreads 22 can be a standard ISO 594 thread type. The hollow cannula 19is shown to be an integral part of the first mating structure 12. Thestraight-through, non-tortuous, fluid pathway 24 is shown within thehollow cannula 19. The upper distal end lateral side fluid pathway holesor slots 20 of the hollow cannula 19 are shown along with the distal endbullet-nose feature 21.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the resilient microbial barrier 25 ofthe injection port assembly 10 in FIG. 1. The resilient microbialbarrier 25 can include a flat septum surface 26 with a post-operationrazor pre-slit 27. The septum surface 26 is flat and smooth to improvethe ability to effectively disinfect the septum surface 26 ofmicroorganisms prior to coupling of a fluid delivery medical device(i.e. syringe, IV administration sets, blood collection devices). Aneffective disinfection of the septum surface 26 can help protect thepatient from potential downstream contamination. The septum 26 can bethe first line of defense from contamination. The upper sealing surface28 can form a compression-fit with the male-luer taper circular wall 45of the second mating structure 42 shown in FIG. 5a after assembly whenthe microbial barrier 25 is in the less compressed first position. Thiscompression-fit feature can help eliminate any gaps or potential leakageopenings between the septum 26 and the male-luer taper circular wall 45thereby minimizing any contaminated gross particulate matter fromentering into an interior space 52 of the second mating structure 42. Ifcontaminated gross particular matter does penetrate into the interiorspace 52, it is outside the patient's fluid pathway and would beextremely difficult to penetrate the resilient microbial barrier andenter into the lateral side fluid pathway holes or slots of the hollowcannula. Referring again to FIG. 4, a lower sealing surface 29 onresilient microbial barrier 25 can mate with a secondary sealing ring orsurface 51 on the second mating structure 42, shown in FIG. 5a afterassembly when the resilient microbial barrier is in the less compressedfirst position.

Referring again to FIG. 4, the lower sealing surface 29 can additionallyhelp prevent contaminated gross particulate matter from entering intothe interior space 52 of the injection port. The resilient microbialbarrier 25 can include an upper centering circular flange 30 which canhelp keep the resilient microbial barrier 25 centered within the secondmating structure and centered on the hollow cannula during coupling toand uncoupling from the second mating structure. A series of spring-likeaccordion flutes 31 are designed to fully encompass the hollow cannula.As a second connector is coupled to the injection port assembly and theresilient barrier 25 moves from the less compressed first position tothe more compressed second position, the accordion flutes 31 can becomemore compressed. Upon removal of the second connector, the stored springenergy in the accordion flutes 31 can cause the resilient barrier 25 toreturn to the less compressed first position. The resilient microbialbarrier 25 can be dimensioned such that when the first and second matingstructures are coupled together, and the resilient microbial barrier 25is positioned within the body, the resilient microbial barrier can belongitudinally compressed a predetermined distance such that afterassembly, the resilient microbial barrier 25 in the first position is ina less compressed, or semi-compressed state. In some embodiments, theresilient microbial barrier 25 can be compressed by a distance of 0.050inches when the resilient microbial barrier 25 is in the less compressedfirst position. This semi-compressed state pushes the distal circularseptum 26 and the first and second circular sealing surfaces 28 and 29into a mechanical compression-fit against the corresponding male-luertapered wall and the secondary circular sealing surface of the secondmating structure respectively. These compression-fit seals can helpreduce contaminated gross particulate-matter from entering into theinterior space of the injection port, improve the effectiveness ofseptum surface 26 disinfection with a healthcare facility approveddisinfectant prior to coupling to the second connector, and reduce thepossibility of a catheter-related bloodstream infection for the patient.

The lower circular sealing flange 32 can be configured to rest or mateon the sealing shelf of the first mating structure. When the injectionport assembly is assembled, the lower circular sealing flange 32 cansubstantially fill the resilient microbial barrier lower flange space53, as shown in FIG. 6. The lower flange 32 has two sealing surfaces, alower flange upper sealing surface 33 and a lower flange lower sealingsurface 34. The lower flange lower sealing surface 34 sits on thesealing shelf 18 of the sealing well 17. The lower flange upper sealingsurface 33 can be compressed by a lower sealing ring surface 54 of thesecond mating structure 42 after the assembly of the first and secondmating structures 12 and 42. In some embodiments, lower flange uppersealing surface can be compressed by a distance of approximately 0.060inches. A compression fit seal can be formed between the lower flangelower sealing surface 34 and the sealing shelf 18 and anothercompression fit seal can be formed between the lower flange uppersealing surface 33 and the lower sealing ring surface 54 of the secondmating structure 42. These compression-fit seals are designed tohermetically-seal the injection port interior spaces 52 and 41 fromfluid and air leakage, which could allow microorganisms to enter intothe injection port 10, or leak potentially caustic chemotherapy or othersimilar fluids from the injection port 10. The resilient microbialbarrier 25 can include a tapered well ring 35 which can be configured tosubstantially fill the tapered well 17 of the first mating structure 12.An outer diameter of the well ring 35 can be slightly larger than anouter diameter of the diameters of the well 17 of the first matingstructure, such that another mechanical, compression-fit seal can beformed between an outer wall of the well ring 35 and an outer wall ofthe well 17. The seal between the outer walls of the well ring 35 andthe well 17 can provide an additional layer of protection fromcontaminants or fluids from entering or exiting the interior space 41between the cannula 19 and the resilient barrier 25.

FIG. 4a is a partial cross-sectional view of an upper portion of theresilient microbial barrier 25 in FIG. 4. The upper distal interior wallof the barrier 25 can include two annular sealing rings, an uppersealing ring 38 and a lower sealing ring 40. Those of ordinary skill inthe art will recognize that the interior wall of the barrier 25 couldhave two or more annular sealing rings to offer additional sealingsurfaces. The upper, annular sealing ring 38 has a diameter slightlysmaller than the outer diameter of the hollow cannula, and can bepositioned above the side fluid pathway slots on the hollow cannula whenthe resilient microbial barrier 25 is in the first position. Thus, whenthe resilient microbial barrier 25 is in the first position, the upperannular sealing ring 38 can be compressed, and a mechanical compressionfit seal can be formed between the upper annular sealing ring 38 and thecannula 19. This mechanical compression-fit seal can help improve fluidback pressure capabilities and minimize fluid leakage through from theside fluid pathway slots and the fluid pathway out of the razor slit 27and the septum surface 26 of fluids. Thus, upper annular sealing ring 38can help prevent caustic chemotherapy fluids or other harmful chemicalsfrom leaking out of the injection port assembly 10. The lower, annularsealing ring 40 also has a diameter slightly smaller than the outerdiameter of the hollow cannula, and is located below the side fluidpathway slots on the hollow cannula when the resilient microbial barrier25 is in the less compressed first position. As such, another mechanicalcompression fit seal can be formed between the resilient barrier 25 andthe cannula below the side fluid pathway slots. This mechanicalcompression-fit seal can help minimize any fluid leakage below the lowerannular sealing ring 40 into the space 41 between the lower wall of theresilient microbial barrier 25 and the outer wall of the hollow cannula,thereby, minimizing the possibility of contamination within this space.An interior wall surface 39 can be located between the two annularsealing rings 38 and 40. The diameter of the interior wall surface 39 insome embodiments can be substantially equal to the diameter of thecannula 19 and the bullet tip nose 21. Additionally, resilient microbialbarrier can include a bullet nose mating surface 36 having a shapecomplimentary to the shape of the bullet nose of the hollow cannula. Assuch, the amount of dead space between the resilient microbial barrier25 and the cannula 19 can be significantly reduced when the resilientbarrier 25 is in the less compressed first position. Such an embodimentcan help reduce the potential for back flow pressure within the fluidpathway, which can help prevent intraluminal thrombotic catheterocclusions from forming within the fluid pathway. The abovecompression-fit annular sealing rings and the diameter matches describedabove can help reduce dead space within the fluid pathway and produce asubstantially neutral fluid displacement (virtually no blood reflux atthe tip of a vascular-access catheter) within the fluid pathway. Areduction of blood reflux into the lumen of the vascular-access catheterimmediately upon coupling to the injection port or immediately uponuncoupling a second connector from the injection port can help reducethe number of intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions (blood clotswithin the vascular-access catheter lumen) and catheter-relatedbloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) within a catheter system.

FIG. 4b is a full cross-sectional view of the resilient microbialbarrier 25.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the second mating structure 42 as shownin FIG. 2. A recessed, concave ring 43 can assist the healthcareprovider when coupling the injection port 10 with a second connectorsuch as with any fluid delivery or aspiration medical devices, i.e.standard syringe, IV administration sets, or blood collection systems.The recessed concave ring 43 guides the fluid delivery medical devicemale-luer tip towards the center of the resilient microbial barrierseptum and prevents from slippage of the male-luer tip of the fluiddelivery medical device during coupling to the injection port and whichcan help prevent potential contamination of the male-luer tip. Acircular hole 44 is the entry point for the coupling of the secondconnector or any fluid delivery medical device. The circular hole 44 isdefined by the tapered surface 45 of the second mating structure 42, theseptum being received into the hole 44 when the microbial barrier is inthe less compressed first position after assembly. The male-luer taperedsurface 45 can form a compression fit with the upper sealing surface ofthe resilient microbial barrier as previously described herein. The maleluer tapered surface 45 can be configured to produce an interference fitwith male luer slip tip fluid delivery medical devices when the slip tipis inserted through the hole 44 and compresses the resilient microbialbarrier. An exterior wall of the second mating structure 42 can alsoinclude a second set of threads 46 which can be configured to allow theinjection port to be coupled to fluid delivery medical devices havingmale luer lock type connections. As such, the second mating structure 42can allow the injection port to be coupled to medical devices havingeither a male luer slip tip configuration or a male luer lockconfiguration. In some embodiments, the second set of threads 46 caninclude standard ISO 594 engagement threads. Circular stabilizing ring47 can help seat or position a threaded male-luer lock tip when the maleluer lock tip is coupled to the second mating structure 42 of theinjection port assembly. The circular stop ring 48 can provide apositive stop for a threaded male-luer lock tip after coupling to thesecond mating structure 42 of the injection port assembly such that adistal end of a male-luer tip lumen in a male luer lock tip can bepositioned slightly below the hollow cannula lateral side fluid pathwayholes or slots, thereby opening up the fluid pathway for infusion offluids or aspiration of blood. An external assembly ring 49 can beutilized to fit into the manufacturing machine circular hole fixturesfor the final “press-fit” and snap-lock assembly process of theinjection port. The external and recessed slots 50 on the proximalportion of the second mating structure 42 are for injection molding gatelocations.

FIG. 5a is a cross-sectional view of the second mating structure 42 asshown in FIG. 5. This view reflects the recessed concave entry ring 43,the circular hole 44, and the male-luer tapered surface 45, the circularstabilizing ring 47, and the circular male-luer lock stop ring 48. Thesecondary sealing surface 51 can form a compression fit seal with thelower sealing surface of the resilient microbial barrier when theresilient microbial barrier is in the less compressed first position aspreviously described herein. The second mating structure 42 has aninterior space 52. The resilient microbial barrier lower flange space 53will be substantially filled by the resilient microbial barrier lowerflange after assembly of the injection port. The lower sealing ringsurface 54 of the second mating structure 42 can produce compression ofresilient microbial barrier lower flange after assembly of the injectionport 10. This compression design feature can produce seals on theresilient microbial barrier lower flange which can help prevent fluidand air leakage from the inside of the injection port during its lifecycle of usage. The compression of the resilient microbial barrier lowerflange can also help firmly secure the resilient microbial barrierwithin the injection port assembly. A second set of anti-rotation andself-guiding ratchets 55 are designed to couple with the first set ofanti-rotation and self-guiding ratchets of the first mating structure.The self-guiding ratchets allow for full assembly automation of the bodywithout the need for indexing the components. A snap-lock channelfeature 56 can, by mechanically press-fitting, securely couple thesecond mating structure 42 to the first mating structure duringassembly, the snap-lock channel 56 receiving the snap lock ring of thefirst mating structure to couple the first and second mating structurestogether. The stabilizing ring securement segments 57 are designed tosecurely snap-lock the first mating structure to the second matingstructure 42 once the snap-lock ring is received into the snap-lockchannel 56. The stabilizing ring securement segments 57 also stabilizethe second mating structure 42 with the stabilizing ring shelf of thefirst mating structure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the present disclosure shown inFIG. 1. This view reflects the combination of features of the firstmating structure 12, second mating structure 42, and the resilientmicrobial barrier 25. This cross-sectional assembly view of the assemblyshown in FIG. 1 highlights the numerous compression-fit surfaces andseals previously discussed herein.

FIG. 6a is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper assembly ofFIG. 6. This view shows the flat septum surface 26 and the razor slit 27extending through the septum surface 26 through to the bullet nosemating surface 36. In some embodiments, the razor slit can beapproximately 0.048″ wide. Razor slit 27 in some embodiments can beperformed as a post-injection molding operation. Numerous other means toform the slit of the present disclosure will be readily apparent tothose of skill in the art, including the use of a knife-blade, hollowneedle, blunt needle, or other suitable manufacturing method to formslit 27 in the resilient microbial barrier 25. This cross-sectional viewshows the various compression-fit seals between the resilient microbialbarrier 25 and the second mating structure 42, as well as thecompression-fit seals between the resilient microbial barrier 25 and thecannula 19. The upper annular sealing ring 38 is positioned slightlyabove the lateral holes or slots 20 of the hollow cannula 19, and thelower annular sealing ring 40 is positioned slightly below the lateralholes or slots 20 of the hollow cannula 19, with the resilient microbialbarrier in the less compressed first position.

FIG. 7 is an cross-sectional view of the injection port 10 shown in FIG.6 having a second connector fluid delivery medical device 58, i.e. astandard male-luer slip syringe in a pre-coupling position to the“standalone” injection port assembly 10. Resilient microbial barrier 25is shown in the less compressed first position before coupling of thesecond connector 58.

FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional view of the full assembly shown in FIG. 6ahaving a standard male-luer slip syringe 58 fully coupled to the“standalone” injection port assembly 10. The male-luer tip 59 of asecond connector 58 fluid delivery medical device can further compressthe resilient microbial barrier 25 during coupling of the secondconnector 58 to the injection port 10 to the more compressed secondposition, thereby exposing the distal portion of the hollow cannula 19and the lateral side holes or slots 20, which can allow for infusion offluids or the aspiration of blood from the patient. Once the infusiontherapy or blood collection sample is completed, the second connector 58will be uncoupled from the injection port assembly 10. The resilientmicrobial barrier 25, due to the series of accordion spring-like shapedflutes 31, will return to its original less compressed first positiononce again as shown in FIG. 7. During the coupling of a second connector58 fluid delivery medical device to the injection port 10 and either theinfusion of fluids through the hollow cannula 19 and vascular-accesscatheter fluid pathway or the aspiration of blood from the patient, thevarious sealing surfaces and features previously discussed can helpprevent fluid or other liquids from leaking outside of the fluid pathwayand into either the interior space 52 of the second mating structure 42,or the interior space 41 of the resilient microbial barrier 25.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly 10 of FIG. 1 coupling to asingle-lumen, peripherally-inserted central catheter (PICC) 60. A PICCcatheter is one of many central-venous catheter (CVC) options availableto the physician or qualified healthcare provider based on the patient'sneeds and requirements. A PICC catheter 60 generally consists of afemale-luer lumen 61 in which the “standalone” needleless, intermittent,injection port assembly 10 couples. A clear, soft, pliable tubing 64, afluid flow slide or C-clamp 63 a to close off the fluid pathway, ajunction 63 where the tubing 64 and the catheter 62 are mated. PICCcatheter lines 60 have grown in popularity over the past fifteen years,due to lower catheter-related bloodstream infection rates from moretraditional central venous catheters, i.e. subclavian, femoral, tunneledchronic or internal jugular catheters. An additional advantage is theability of trained nurse RN's to place a PICC catheter 60 versus thetraditional interventional radiologist MD. Most central venous catheters(CVCs) will have one or more female-luer lumens 61 per catheter; asingle-lumen, double-lumen, a triple-lumen catheter, or more. Eachcatheter female-luer lumen 61 is a separate fluid path through thecentral-venous catheter 62. Central-venous catheters (CVCs) also come invarious French sizes, catheter lengths, catheter materials, andhigh-pressure capabilities options based on the patient requirements.The PICC catheter could stay in the patient for an extended period oftime. Many patients will leave the hospital with their PICC catheter 60in place and have a home infusion service care and maintain the catheterfor occlusions and infection prevention. The needleless, intermittent,injection port 10 would be uncoupled from each of the catheter lumens,safely disposed of, and a new sterile injection port 10 would bere-coupled to the catheter approximately every 72 to 96 hours in anacute care setting, and up to 7 days in a home infusion setting.

FIG. 8a is a perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly 10 coupling to a short-term,peripheral intravenous catheter 65 (PIV). The PIV catheter consists of afemale-luer lumen 67 and a soft tube material catheter 66. Virtuallyevery time a patient comes into the emergency room of an acute carehospital, a short-term, peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) 65 will beinserted into the patient. Most non-critical patients, i.e. medicalsurgical floors, OB, etc. will use a PIV for infusion of fluids andantibiotics or blood collection for chemical analysis during thepatients stay. Over 300 million PIV catheters are used annually in theUnited States alone. A needleless, intermittent injection port 10 istypically not coupled directly to the short-term PIV catheter 65. Thisis due to difficulty in coupling and uncoupling a fluid delivery medicaldevice. A catheter-extension set is generally used with a short-term PIVcatheter.

FIG. 8b is a perspective view of the “standalone” needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly 10 coupling to a single-lumen,catheter-extension set 68 which has been coupled to a short-term,peripheral intravenous catheter 65 (PIV). A catheter-extension set 68generally consists of a female-luer lumen 69, in which the injectionport 10 couples to, a soft, pliable, kink-resistant clear tubing 70, aslide or c-clamp 71 to impede fluid flow, and a male-luer lock or slipconnector 72 which couples to the PIV catheter 65. Catheter-extensionsets 68 also come in numerous configurations of tubing sizes andlengths, one or more female-luer lumens, and T-connectors based on thepatient's needs and requirements.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a needleless,intermittent, injection port assembly 110 having a Y-site configuration.The Y-site injection port 110 consists of a first mating structure 112having a y-injection site body, a second mating structure 42, and aresilient microbial barrier 25.

FIG. 9a is a perspective view of the first mating structure 112 of FIG.9. The selected plastic material for the first mating structure 112 willbe latex-free, non-DEHP, and Bisphenol-A free for improved patientsafety. The stabilizing ring shelf segments 114 can help stabilize thesecond mating structure via the stabilizing ring securement segments 57,as shown in FIG. 9c and previously described herein. A snap-lock ringfeature 115 can mechanically press-fit and help securely couple thefirst mating structure 112 to the second mating structure 42 duringassembly, by coupling the snap-lock ring 115 to the second matingstructure snap-lock ring channel 56. A series of anti-rotation andself-guiding ratchets 116 are designed to couple with the anti-rotationand self-guiding ratchets 55 of the second mating structure duringassembly 10. The self-guiding ratchets allow for full assemblyautomation of the injection port 110 without the need for indexing thecomponents. The sealing ring shelf 118 is the base for the resilientmicrobial barrier 25 lower flange ring 32 to sit on for acompression-fit sealing surface after assembly. A sealing well 117 isdesigned to couple with the resilient microbial barrier 25 lowercompression-fit well ring 35 to form an additional fluid seal afterassembly. A hollow fluid pathway cannula 119 is an integral part of thefirst mating structure 112. The fluid pathway 124 is straight-throughand non-tortuous to help reduce any dead space within the fluid pathway,help provide a small priming volume, clinically-acceptable fluid flowrates, and to help minimize any blood fibrin or biofilm adhesion,development, and colonization. Along the upper portion of the hollowcannula 119 are lateral fluid pathway holes or slots 120. On the distalend of the hollow cannula 119 is a full radius bullet-nose 121 feature.This type of distal end is designed to increase the number of couplingand uncoupling events over the life-cycle of the Y-injection port 110.The first mating structure 112 having a Y-site configuration consists oftwo tubing fluid pathway channels 122 and 123. Soft, clear, pliabletubing will be permanently coupled to tubing channels 122 and 123 for aleak-proof fluid pathway 124.

FIG. 9b is a cross-sectional view of the Y-injection body 112 of FIG. 9a. The two IV tubing channels 122 and 123 are shown. The fluid pathways124 within the Y-injection site body 112 reflect the typical fluid flowdirections within the body 112. The external shell assembly ring 125 isutilized to fit into the manufacturing machine first mating structure112 hole fixtures for the final “press-fit” and snap-lock assemblyprocess of the Y-site injection port 110. The anti-rotation andself-guiding series of ratchets 116, sealing well ring 117 and sealingshelf 118. The hollow cannula 119 is shown to be an integral part of thefirst mating structure 112. The straight-through, non-tortuous, fluidpathway 124 is shown within the hollow cannula 119. The upper distal endlateral side fluid pathway holes or slots 120 of the hollow cannula 119are shown along with the distal end bullet-nose feature 121.

FIG. 9c is cross-sectional view of the Y-injection site assembly 110 ofFIG. 9. This view reflects the combination of features of the firstmating structure 112, second mating structure 42 shown in FIG. 5, andthe resilient microbial barrier 25 shown in FIG. 4. The cross-sectionalview of the Y-site injection port 110 shown in FIG. 9 highlights thenumerous compression-fit seals within the injection port 110 that helpproduce a substantially neutral displacement within the fluid pathway24, which can help reduce intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusionsand catheter-related bloodstream infections.

FIG. 10 is perspective view of the Y-injection site assembly 110incorporated into a gravity-fed, intravenous administration set. Atypical gravity-fed, intravenous administration set consists of asolution bag or bottle 126, a drip chamber 127, soft, pliable tubing128, one or more slide clamps, c-clamps, or roller clamps 129 to impedeor close off fluid flow, one or more Y-site injection ports 110, and amale-luer lock or slip connector 130 that can be coupled to a standaloneinjection port 10.

Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of thepresent invention of a new and useful Needleless, Intermittent, NeutralDisplacement IV Injection Port it is not intended that such referencesbe construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except asset forth in the following claim.

1. An injection port assembly comprising: a body having a first matingstructure configured to mate with a first connector and a second matingstructure coupled to the first mating structure and configured to matewith a second connector; a resilient barrier substantially containedwithin the body and compressible from a less compressed first positionconfigured to block fluid flow between the first connector and thesecond connector to a more compressed second position configured topermit fluid flow between the first connector and the second connector,the resilient barrier including an inner wall; a hollow cannula coupledto the first mating structure and disposed within the resilient barrier,the hollow cannula having a distal end configured to extend through theresilient barrier when the resilient barrier is in the more compressedsecond position, the distal end having one or more lateral fluid pathwayslots; a first annular sealing ring located on the inner wall of theresilient barrier, the first annular sealing ring positioned distallyfrom the one or more lateral fluid pathway slots when the resilientbarrier is in the less compressed first position; and a second annularsealing ring located on the inner wall of the resilient barrier, thesecond annular sealing ring positioned proximally from the lateral fluidpathway slots when the resilient barrier is in the less compressed firstposition, the inner wall extending linearly between the first and secondannular sealing rings.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond annular sealing rings are configured to continuously engage thehollow cannula as the resilient barrier is compressed from the firstposition to the second position, and as the resilient barrier returnsfrom the second position to the first position.
 3. The assembly of claim1, wherein: the distal end of the hollow cannula has an outer diameter,the first annular sealing ring has a first uncompressed inner diameter,and the second annular sealing ring has a second uncompressed innerdiameter; the ratio of the outer diameter to the first uncompressedinner diameter is greater than 1; and the ratio of the outer diameter tothe second uncompressed inner diameter is greater than
 1. 4. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein: the resilient barrier further includes aseptum; the second mating structure includes a second mating structuredistal end, the second mating structure distal end including a firstinner tapered surface defining an opening in the distal end of thesecond mating structure; and the septum is received through the openingin the second mating structure when the resilient barrier is in thefirst position, the first inner tapered surface producing an inwardcompression force on the septum that produces a first seal between theresilient barrier and the first inner tapered surface.
 5. The assemblyof claim 4, wherein: the resilient barrier further includes a secondsealing surface; and the distal end of the second mating structurefurther comprises a second inner tapered surface located proximally ofthe first inner tapered surface, the second inner tapered surfacecompressing the second sealing surface of the resilient barrier when theresilient barrier is in the less compressed first position.
 6. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the resilient barrier includes a lowersealing flange, the lower sealing flange compressed between the firstand second mating structures when the second mating structure is coupledto the first mating structure.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst mating structure and the hollow cannula are integrally formed. 8.The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first mating structure includes aY-site configuration.
 9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein when theresilient barrier is in the first position, the first annular sealingring forms a first seal distally from the one or more lateral fluidpathway slots in the distal end of the hollow cannula, and the secondannular sealing ring forms a second seal proximally from the one or morelateral fluid pathway slots in the distal end of the hollow cannula. 10.The assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a first locking portiondisposed on the first mating structure; a second locking portiondisposed on the second mating structure, the second locking portioncorresponding to the first locking portion, wherein first and secondlocking portions are configured to lock together to couple the secondmating structure to the first mating structure; 11-13. (canceled)
 14. Aninjection port assembly comprising: a body having a first matingstructure configured to mate with a first connector and a second matingstructure coupled to the first mating structure and configured to matewith a second connector; a resilient barrier substantially containedwithin the body and compressible from a less compressed first positionconfigured to block fluid flow between the first connector and thesecond connector to a more compressed second position configured topermit fluid flow between the first connector and the second connector;the second mating structure includes a distal body end portion having adistal end flange extending laterally inward, the distal end flangehaving defined therein a first inner tapered surface and a second innertapered body surface positioned proximally of the first inner taperedbody surface; the resilient barrier includes a resilient barrier distalend portion with a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface,the first and second sealing surfaces both extending around an entirecircumference of the resilient barrier; the first inner tapered bodysurface and the second inner tapered body surface of the second matingstructure are configured to apply a compression force against the firstsealing surface and the second sealing surface of the resilient barrierrespectively when the resilient barrier is in the less compressed firstposition; and the resilient barrier includes a sealing flange configuredto be compressed between the first and second mating structures when thesecond mating structure is coupled to the first mating structure. 15.The assembly of claim 14, wherein: the first inner tapered body surfaceon the distal body end portion of the second mating structure defines anopening having an opening width; the resilient barrier distal endportion has an uncompressed barrier distal end width, the resilientbarrier distal end portion positioned in the opening when the resilientbarrier is in the first position; and the ratio of the uncompressedbarrier distal end width to the opening width is greater than one. 16.The assembly of claim 14, wherein: the first inner tapered body surfacenarrows in a proximal direction and the second inner tapered bodysurface widens in the proximal direction; and the first sealing surfaceintersects the second sealing surface.
 17. The assembly of claim 14,wherein: the first inner tapered body surface of the second matingstructure defines an opening; and when the resilient barrier is in theless compressed first position the entire opening is filled by theresilient barrier distal end portion.
 18. The assembly of claim 14,wherein: the first inner tapered body surface is axially longer than thesecond inner tapered body surface of the second mating structure. 19.The assembly of claim 14, wherein: the distal body end portion of thesecond mating structure includes a recessed concave ring formed thereindistally of the first inner tapered body surface.
 20. The assembly ofclaim 19, wherein: when the resilient barrier is in the less compressedfirst position a distalmost end surface of the resilient barrier isflush with a bottom of the recessed concave ring.
 21. The assembly ofclaim 14, wherein: when the resilient barrier is in the less compressedfirst position a distalmost end surface of the resilient barrier isrecessed from a distalmost end surface of the second mating structure.22. An injection port assembly, comprising: a body including a firstmating structure and a second mating structure, the body defining a bodyinterior, the second mating structure having a distal body end portionincluding a first inner tapered body surface and a second inner taperedbody surface adjacent and proximal of the first inner tapered bodysurface, the first inner tapered body surface narrowing in a proximaldirection and the second inner tapered body surface widening in theproximal direction; a resilient barrier contained within the body andcompressible from a less compressed first position in which fluid flowthrough the injection port assembly is blocked, to a more compressedsecond position in which fluid flow through the injection port assemblyis permitted, the resilient barrier having an inner cavity, theresilient barrier including a distal barrier end portion including firstand second oppositely tapered barrier sealing surfaces complementary tothe first and second inner tapered body surfaces of the second matingstructure; and a hollow cannula extending from the first matingstructure into the inner cavity of the resilient barrier, the hollowcannula having a distal cannula end portion configured to extend throughthe resilient barrier when the resilient barrier is in the morecompressed second position, the distal cannula end portion having one ormore fluid passageway openings therein.
 23. The assembly of claim 22,wherein: the first inner tapered body surface defines an opening; andwhen the resilient barrier is in the less compressed first position theentire opening is filled by the distal barrier end portion.
 24. Theassembly of claim 22, wherein: the entire first inner tapered bodysurface and at least a portion of the second inner tapered body surfaceare located distally of a distalmost end of the hollow cannula.
 25. Theassembly of claim 22, wherein: the first inner tapered body surface isaxially longer than the second inner tapered body surface.
 26. Theassembly of claim 22, wherein: the distal body end portion includes arecessed concave ring formed therein distally of the first inner taperedbody surface.
 27. The assembly of claim 26, wherein: when the resilientbarrier is in the less compressed first position a distalmost endsurface of the resilient barrier is flush with a bottom of the recessedconcave ring.
 28. The assembly of claim 22, wherein: when the resilientbarrier is in the less compressed first position a distalmost endsurface of the resilient barrier is recessed from a distalmost endsurface of the second mating structure.